Food intolerance is a food hypersensitivity where a person cannot tolerate or digest certain foods. Among the different food intolerances, lactose intolerance and wheat (or gluten) intolerance are the common ones. On consumption of these foods, some people suffer from negative reactions like abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, etc. Gluten is one of the prominent contents (proteins) in wheat, barley and rye. Gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease, is an autoimmune disorder. The exact cause of gluten allergy or celiac disease is unknown, however, it is believed to be hereditary. When a person suffering from this disorder consumes foods containing gluten, it results in the damage of the small intestine. If this continues for a longer period of time, the intestine becomes weak and it is unable to digest even other essential nutrients required by the body. One of the easiest and long-lasting treatment methods is to follow a diet.
Foods to Avoid
All wheat, rye and barley containing foods contain gluten. Hence, they need to be identified and excluded from the diet completely. The following list of foods that contain gluten, needs to be avoided:
- Wheat, wheat germ, barley, rye
- Bread, cereals and pasta
- Cookies, waffles, donuts, muffins and cakes
- Tortillas, pancakes and wheat nachos
- Certain soups, gravies and sauces that are thickened with wheat flour
- Potato chips, bagels, biscuits, rolls, crackers and pretzels
- Wheat germ oil and mixed vegetable oil
- Ice creams, icing, ice cream cone, candies
- All floured and breaded meats
- Beer, whiskey, bourbon, malt
One needs to be specially aware of bakery products as most of them contain gluten. It is essential to check the labels of processed and packed foods if they contain gluten (wheat, rye or barley). If not specified, it is essential to keep away from these foods to avoid the potential risk. Also, when eating out, one can ask the waiter or the chef about the ingredients of the dishes. If not possible, you can go for other options and avoid eating foods that have chances of containing gluten (for e.g. bakery products, cakes and pastries). On a happier note, the list of foods safe to consume is larger than the wheat allergy food list. Let us take a look.
Foods to Eat
There are many other foods that are safe to consume when suffering from gluten allergy.
- Fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried fruits
- Quinoa, millet, buckwheat, potato flour, oatmeal, bean flour, rice
- Meat, eggs, fish
- Sunflower oil and olive oil
- Cheese, butter, ghee, milk, yogurt, buttermilk
- Sugar, jams, custards, gelatin, jellies, honey
- Coffee, tea, fruit juices, soda, cocoa
- Salt, condiments, spices, herbs, olives, etc.
It is also better for other family members to know about this condition in order to avoid the allergy. Take care!
